Singh Kelsall et al. find that harmful policing practices persisted during British Columbia’s decriminalisation pilot and subsequent recriminalisation, including confiscations, displacement and interference with overdose response.
Michaud et al. find that participants in the programme report greater autonomy, improved quality of life and stronger therapeutic relationships compared to prior experiences with opioid agonist treatment.
This collection aims to bring together articles and research addressing the global challenge of opioid access and the development of evidence-informed policies to achieve equitable, safe, and sustainable pain management.
The Commissioner warned that ignoring expert recommendations on harm reduction and safe supply violates human rights while claiming over five lives daily across the province.
Gunaratne et al. reveal high levels of non-fatal overdose, identifying structural, behavioural, and health-related factors that call for urgent expansion of harm reduction, mental health support, and overdose prevention.
Despite proving their compassion club prevented overdoses, DULF founders were convicted and now plan a Charter challenge against the criminalisation of harm reduction.
Sjöland et al. find that limited funding and access to harm reduction and treatment services and high opioid availability cause persistently high overdose rates among people who inject drugs in Myanmar, with disproportionate impacts on migrant populations.
WHO underscores opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT) as an essential, lifesaving health service, providing practical strategies to prevent and manage disruptions, safeguard access to methadone and buprenorphine, and ensure continuity of care during crises and instability.
Dickson-Gomez et al. show that punitive action by US police during overdose responses may increase overdose risk and decrease reliance on emergency services.
Bailey E. Pridgen et al. review the current state and federal harm reduction intervention policies in the US, calling for reform to remove existing structural and legal barriers.
